Dog Community

dog backpacks

Posted : 8/29/2011 10:37:47 PM

I just bought my dog a backpack so he can carry water and snacks while we are hiking. He is over 60 lbs with a stocky build, and walks and runs longer distances than I do. I figured I could put him to work and have him carry the supplies while on long walks and hikes. So far, he has been fine having it on his back while empty, but I haven't put weight in it yet.

What are your experiences with dog backpacks? Do dogs ever get hot, and how can you tell if they are carrying too much weight? Should he take breaks from it periodically if we are out all day?

kpwlee

Posted : 8/30/2011 9:49:16 AM

just like with humans you have to acclimate them to the weight and make sure the weight is evenly distributed. It is my understanding that you do not want the bulk of the weight over the middle of their back more toward the front. Start out slowly and just put bulky light items (empty liter bottles) in it so they get used to size and their new 'girth'. slowly add water to the bottles until you put a full bottle in each side or a similar balanced weight.

Lastly since you don't say how old your dog is - if they are less than 18 months old he shouldn't carry much weight at all for long periods.

And yes they definitely get hot so adding weight and material coverage on them in the hot months is going to make them even hotter. Give lots of breaks and water them down. If your dog is already showing signs of heat intolerance without the pack don't use it until it cools down

shadowsgin

Posted : 8/30/2011 11:00:41 AM

My sweet Shadow (RIP) loved his backpack. I started out walking him without anything in it. Then we added weight a little at a time. He would carry my hand tools, a few treats and water for both of us. We didnt hike but we worked in the garden. I would also put his favorite ball in the pack. We would stop periodically to cool down, drink water, and take his pack off to play ball. Then we would put the pack back on and put everything back in it. He loved it and would get very excited when he saw me get his pack loaded to go outside.

corollagirl

Posted : 8/30/2011 12:13:12 PM

this is a neat idea. yea i never had experience with the backpack but my dog doesnt have the attention span to keep on the backpack. but id agree to add weight slowly. we dont wanna see your dog passed out haha. (jk)

kpwlee

Posted : 8/30/2011 1:58:18 PM

Ginger that is adorable! Bugsy loves his pack and I have him carry his stuff in it if we are walking to the fields we train in or around the neighborhood if we have deliveries to make or on hikes he carries his bowl and water.

spiritdogs

Posted : 9/2/2011 1:38:31 PM

As a trainer who sees many dogs being asked to work inappropriately, before owners are aware of any hidden issues, I say that no dog should be given weight to bear or to pull until a veterinarian has examined the dog for any heart, joint, thyroid, diabetes, or other problems that could prove harmful. If you ever had arthritis, you would know that even a small amount of extra weight can cause pain and dogs are usually stoic enough that you might not know...so IMO get the dog checked out first, just as a human should do before taking on a new strenuous exercise program;-)

DrAlexanderTab

Posted : 8/23/2013 3:52:07 AM

My dog JP had a backpack for when we went hiking. I gave him 2 water bottles to carry too - one for each of us. He loved to run down the trails in Topanga. Running up - not so much :)